On February 14 and 15, UW–Madison will be holding its first-ever Interfaith Bioethics Conference: Faith, Justice, and Pluralistic Futures, hosted by the Center for Interfaith Dialogue and the Islamic STEM Association.

The two-day conference brings together students, scholars, faith leaders and healthcare professionals to explore the intersections of faith, ethics and medicine. Through keynote talks, panel discussions and interactive student dialogues, participants will examine how diverse religious, secular and ethical traditions approach pressing bioethical issues.

As part of this event, members of the Lacks family, descendants of Henrietta Lacks, are coming to UW–Madison. Shirley Lacks and Jeri Lacks-Whye, descendants of Henrietta Lacks, whose story is told in “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot, will be attending the conference on Sunday, February 15. Together, we will explore Henrietta Lacks’ enduring legacy, the global impact of HeLa cells on modern medicine, and the ethical questions of faith, justice, and health equity—illuminated through the lived experiences of the Lacks family.

RSVP is required for this event. The RSVP limit has been reached, but a waitlist is available. Please RSVP here by Friday, February 6, to be added to the waitlist.

Conference Details

• Saturday, February 14 – Sunday, February 15
• Free and open to all students, staff and community members
• UW–Madison Students: please bring your Wiscard to check-in

Lacks Family Keynote

• Date and Time: Sunday, February 15 (12:00 – 1:30 p.m.)
• Check-In and Refreshments: 11:30 am (first come, first served)
• Gordon Dining & Event Center (Concerto, Sonata, Overture Rooms), 770 W. Dayton St.

For questions or accommodations needs, feel free to contact interfaith@studentaffairs.wisc.edu.